During the Kingsland School board board meeting on July 15, the board was updated on the progress of the ongoing Longterm Facility Maintenance Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) project, which started shortly after the end of the last school year. Members present included board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Superintendent James Hecimovic. Kyle Rader was absent. Also attending were Principal Scott Klavetter and Business Manager Amber Herbrand. No members of the public addressed the board.
Regarding the IAQ project, the board approved using up to $45,000 of contingency funds for replacement of seven breaker panels and wiring feeds. Superintendent Hecimovich informed the board that, “We remain on schedule and under budget. Right now, with everything we’ve done, we’ve only spent about 40% of the contingency fund,” which was built into the project budget, as a standard process. His report also stated, “Ceiling grid and lighting are being installed on the second floor. The HVAC units, seven of eight, were placed on the rooftops on Monday. The eighth unit will be placed once the structural steel arrives. The new door frames throughout the building have been installed. Most of the rooms have been painted. Casework and heating units are being placed in the rooms.”
Also regarding the project, Building and Grounds Director John Dols submitted a written report, which included that “we finalized a switch in flooring from epoxy floor coating back to VCT tile… It will provide a substantial savings…” Waxing of the floors is planned beginning July 30. Board members expressed satisfaction with how the project is progressing, and said the rooms look really good. The board discussed the idea of having an open house event for the public once the IAQ project is completed. The board will consider this further at the next meeting.
Hecimovich submitted a written statement that mentioned, “As of today, we have no AD” (Athletic Director). He further explained that the position was offered to an applicant, but that applicant withdrew. Hecimovich said that currently Kingsland bars the AD from coaching at any grade level, but he recommended the board consider suspend that restriction, at least on a one-year trial basis, to see if that attracts more interest. He summarized, “We need to do something to get somebody to apply for this position.” Hecimovich and the board discussed the reasons for the restriction, especially that it allows for direct supervision and oversight of all coaches. No formal decision was made at this time, but the board generally agreed it may be worth trying, and will formally consider the idea at the board’s meeting in August.
In the Consent Agenda, the board approved the hiring of Stephanie Hershberger as head dance coach, and Amanda Siskow as head volleyball coach. The board also approved a list of fees and annual designations. Athletic/Extracurricular Participation Fee will now be $65 for all in grades 7-12, and there will be a MSHSL Activity Fee of $25 (which now will include those in Robotic, Drama, and the Trap Team).
No changes were made to the School Aged Care Fees, Facility Rental Fees, Board Member Compensation, Mileage Rate, or Miscellaneous Fees. Horsman pointed out that Student/Adult Meal Prices have a modest increase of about a dime per meal, on average, compared to last school year.
Public thanks was given for the donation from State Farm Companies Foundation for the $500 match to Mark Biermann’s donation to the drama club. Hecimovich also thanked IBM and Jerry Donney for the $2,000 grant to the First Robotics Team. The next board meeting will be on Monday, August 5. Because of a schedule conflict, that meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.
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